OverviewThe 2023 Hyundai Tucson struts a cutting-edge style that stands out among its more sober- looking compact SUV competitors. That doesn’t mean that the Tucson sacrifices practicality or affordability. It boasts both. Hyundai has taken the blanket approach with the Tucson, offering a wide variety of trims and powertrains—including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid—giving it broad appeal. The entry-level powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder but the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models use a turbocharged 1.6-liter four that’s buttressed by an electric motor—a combination that provides more pep. Entry-level models of the Tucson are nicely equipped while higher-end trims cross the line from mainstream to premium, giving it an edge over rivals such as the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the Volkswagen Tiguan. Show
Where This Vehicle RanksWhat's New for 2023?Following a complete redesign for the 2022 model year, the Tucson sees only a few packaging changes for 2023. The Premium package has been eliminated from the SEL model and its contents have been distributed as standard features to other trim levels. For example, the panoramic sunroof is now standard on the N-Line trim and the larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen can be found on all XRT trims and up. Adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and a speed limit assist feature are now standard on all Tucson trims. Serenity White Pearl replaces Quartz White on the Tucson’s exterior color palette. Pricing and Which One to BuySE $27,745 SEL $29,345 SEL Convenience $31,595 Blue Hybrid $32,195 XRT $34,570 N-Line $34,620 $35,155 Limited $37,005 SEL PHEV $38,345 Limited Hybrid $39,955 Limited PHEV $45,605 After sampling the Tucson’s various powertrains, we think the hybrid represents the sweet spot between performance, features, and price. We suggest the SEL Convenience Hybrid trim as it comes standard with heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, and a 10.3-inch digital gauge display, among other niceties. Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceA 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder will be standard and comes with an eight-speed automatic and either front or all-wheel drive. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four will power hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, which is good for a combined 226-hp in the former and 261-hp in the latter; all-wheel drive is standard with the electrified powertrains and both come with a six-speed automatic transmission. The non-hybrid Tucson’s performance is adequate at best, so lead-footed drivers will yearn for more power. At our test track, our all-wheel-drive Limited test vehicle loped to 60 mph in an unimpressive 8.8 seconds, which is nonetheless close to average for this not-very-swift class of SUVs. The more powerful Tucson hybrid and plug-in hybrid are both quicker, but don't expect the sportscar-like acceleration of Toyota’s RAV4 Prime from them. At our test track, our loaded Limited hybrid test vehicle managed a reasonable 7.1-second run to 60 mph. While the Tucson is no sports car, its handling is confident, its steering is reasonably crisp, and its ride is agreeable. What's most striking about the Tucson's driving demeanor is how quiet and refined it feels when cruising; it's these traits that give the SUV a sense of luxury that is rare to find in this class. Range, Charging, and Battery LifeThe plug-in hybrid model sports a 13.8-kWh battery pack that is said to offer up to 33 miles of electric-only driving, according to the EPA. A 7.2-kW onboard charger allows the battery to be fully recharged in about two hours when connected to a level 2 charging station. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGThe EPA estimates that nonhybrid versions of the Tucson should deliver as high as 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. Fuel efficiency ratings for the hybrid are as high as 38 mpg city and 38 mpg highway; the plug-in hybrid model earned a rating of 80 MPGe combined and delivered 33 miles of electric-only driving in the EPA's test. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the hybrid model failed to deliver its EPA estimated 38 mpg, delivering just 28 mpg; we haven't tested the plug-in hybrid or the nonhybrid Tucson on our route yet. For more information about the Tucson's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe Tucson sports a simplistic but modern dashboard design with a digital gauge display, a push-button shifter, and a touch-sensitive control panel for the climate-control system and infotainment. Hyundai's flagship Palisade SUV and the brand's recently redesigned Sonata and Elantra sedans have served as a sort of watershed moment for the company's interior designs, and the new Tucson continues the trend with a thoughtfully arranged interior filled with quality materials and luxury features. The Tucson's rear seat space and cargo area are both larger than the outgoing model, providing more passenger comfort and practicality. Behind the hybrid's back row, we fit nine carry-on suitcases, and the luggage capacity rose to 22 bags with the seatbacks stowed. Infotainment and ConnectivityA standard 8.8-inch touchscreen is integrated into the dashboard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; a larger 10.3-inch screen with built-in navigation is optional—as are features such as SiriusXM satellite radio and an upgraded Bose stereo system. Other high-tech offerings include Hyundai's digital key smartphone app, which provides lock and unlock features as well as an option for remote start. Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesA host of driver-assistance features will be available, many of which will come standard. For more information about the Tucson's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageIn the compact-SUV market, only one rival offers as much warranty coverage as the Tucson, and that's its corporate twin, the Kia Sportage. The Hyundai still holds an advantage over the Kia in this area, though, thanks to its generous complimentary scheduled maintenance program.
SpecificationsSpecifications 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD PRICE ENGINE TRANSMISSION CHASSIS DIMENSIONS C/D TEST RESULTS EPA FUEL ECONOMY C/D TESTING
EXPLAINED 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid PRICE POWERTRAIN CHASSIS DIMENSIONS C/D TEST
RESULTS C/D
FUEL ECONOMY EPA FUEL ECONOMY More Features and Specs What is the difference between 2022 and 2023 Tucson?Except for a few features moving to standard status, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (HEV) is basically a carryover from 2022, with one significant change: Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go is now standard on all trims, along with forward collision warning with Junction Turning Assist.
Does Tucson Limited have leather seats?Hyundai Tucson Limited
The Limited trim level has all of the standard features included in the SEL, plus the following: Beige or black leather-trimmed seats. Premium sound system. Leather steering wheel.
Does the Tucson Limited have ambient lighting?2022 Hyundai Tucson INTERSPACE Interior
And yes, this reimagined SUV does come with ambient cabin lighting to the tune of 64 unique colors and 10 different brightness settings.
Does 2023 Tucson have power liftgate?For about $30,000 in 2022 dollars, it adds a power sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a power tailgate.
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